Windows 7 gains EASC approval

Windows 7 has been cleared for agency use by the state’s Enterprise Architecture and Standards Committee.

The committee announced Sept. 15 that both the 32- and- 64-bit versions of Windows 7 have been added to its approved product listing, although agencies must ensure that the hardware meets all requirements and existing applications are thoroughly tested before migration, according to Glenn Thomas, director of information technology governance at Commonwealth Office of Technology.

Thomas cautioned that a switch to Windows 7 could also create a learning curve that may require training for users unfamiliar with the new operating system.

Current Enterprise Architecture Standards for use as a desktop/laptop operating system include:

*Microsoft Windows XP Professional (latest service pack release).

*Microsoft Windows 2000 Professional (not approved for new installs due to Microsoft’s discontinuation of extended support effective July 13, 2010).